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William Himes, Central Territory music secretary, shares Thanksgiving with the Seattle Corps
By Joyce Johnston
William Himes, Central Territory music secretary, was special guest for a standing room only crowd at the Seattle Temple Corps’ annual Thanksgiving Concert on Nov. 20.
Corps Officer Major Dave Harmon introduced Himes by reminiscing about their days together at the University of Michigan where, as fellow musicians, they became friends.
Himes’ friendly, easygoing and witty demeanor at the microphone set the tone for the evening. He alternated conducting with corps Bandmaster Stefan Wennstig and Songster Leader Ken Lyons.
The program—consisting mainly of music composed or arranged by Himes—included three solos: “He’s Always Been Faithful,” sung by Melani Lyons; “My Christ (Is All In All),” played on the euphonium by Christian Riesebieter; and “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit,” with soloist Dave Hall. When introducing the third piece, Himes made mention of Swiss yodeling. Much to the delight of the audience, Dave Hall provided a mighty Swiss yodel for the solo part.
The Northwest Division’s School of Music—including students from Seattle Temple, Eastside Corps, White Center and the Renton Corps—played a piece by Himes called “Good King What’s His Name.” Christian Riesebieter directed.
After introducing the music school students, Himes jokingly said, “If we teach a child to blow a horn, he’ll never blow a safe.”
Himes has been the bandmaster of the Chicago Staff Band since 1977. He has produced many recordings and led his band on many concert tours, the latest being to England. He, with his wife Linda, is active at the Oakbrook Terrace Corps in Chicago where he has been corps sergeant major for the last 15 years.
